X-Country Skiing

Abundant snowfall, moderate winter temperatures, and beautiful scenery make Gros Morne National Park perfect for cross-country skiers. Together with the Gros Morne Co-operating Association, the park maintains a series of groomed cross-country ski trails. Most trails are tracked for classic skiing, with some tracked for freestyle as well.

The ski season in Gros Morne extends from January to April. Average daily temperatures for Rocky Harbour are −6 °C in January, −8 °C in February, and −5 °C in March.

Groomed Trails

Visitor Centre Trails: 10.8 km of regularly groomed trails in a series of seven interconnected loops. Ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers, these forest trails are relatively flat with a few good hills. The Owl Trail is lit nightly until 10 p.m. Also, there is a sledding hill with no lift. (View map) 

Wigwam Pond Trail: Starting from highway 430 near the park’s Wiltondale entrance, this classic x-ski trail passes through some of the park's most beautiful forest. A warm up hut is located 4.5 km from the beginning of the trail. Starting in February, the trail to the warm-up hut is groomed weekly as weather permits. (View map)

Shallow Bay Trails: 6.8 km of single-track classic trails, groomed as weather permits, following the old mail route through forest and along sand dunes. The trails are flat and easy. There is an enclosed picnic shelter at the Shallow Bay campground. (View map)

Plan & Prepare

• Check the weather forecast.
• Choose a route according to your physical condition, skiing abilities, difficulty of the trail, and the time available.
• Always let someone know where you are going and when you are expected back.
• Dogs are not permitted on groomed trails. They damage the track and present a hazard to both wildlife and other skiers.
• For longer ski trips, bring a first aid kit, food, and extra clothing. Dress in layers to control heat and reduce perspiration.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer There are inherent risks with winter wilderness travel. The areas described herein will at times be unsafe due to weather, snow, ice, and avalanche conditions. Gros Morne National Park has done its best to provide accurate information and to describe the conditions typical of each general area. However, it is up to the users of this information to learn the necessary skills for safe winter travel, access additional trip planning materials, and to exercise caution while travelling in the national park.

Users of this information do so entirely at their own risk, and the Parks Canada Agency disclaims any liability for injury, death or damage to anyone undertaking winter travel in any of the regions described. This information is no substitute for experience or good judgement.